One-Pot Creamy Beef Orzo (Printable Version)
Tender beef, orzo, and vibrant vegetables in a creamy skillet for a satisfying and effortless family meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 pound ground beef, 85% lean
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 medium carrot, diced
05 - 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow)
06 - 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
→ Pasta
07 - 1 1/4 cups orzo pasta, uncooked
→ Dairy
08 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
09 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Liquids
10 - 3 cups beef broth, low-sodium preferred
→ Seasonings
11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
15 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
# Steps to Follow:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add onion, carrot, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Sprinkle in dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to distribute seasonings evenly.
04 - Add uncooked orzo and mix well. Pour in beef broth and stir to combine. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
05 - Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until mixture is smooth and creamy. Fold in spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until wilted.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan as desired.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Quick cleanup since the whole meal is made in one pot
- Velvety and cheesy sauce for ultimate coziness
- Balanced with protein rich beef and veggies for a complete meal
- Orzo's texture soaks up flavor like a dream
02 -
- High in filling protein and vegetables
- All in one pan keeps dishes and effort minimal
- Delivers that creamy risotto like texture in a fraction of the time
03 -
- Toast the orzo for thirty to sixty seconds in the pan before adding broth. This step draws out a nutty flavor much like risotto.
- If you make this for a crowd double the batch and use a heavy Dutch oven to keep heat even. And finally always let the Parmesan melt slowly for the silkiest sauce without clumps. Once you get the hang of this method you can riff with almost any protein and vegetables on hand. It is simply a keeper.